Research by Nathan Robinson and Paladino Appears in The Conversation

Research by Nathan Robinson, post doc research assistant in biology, and Frank Paladino, chair and Jack Schrey Professor of biology, on sea turtle ‘hitchhikers’ was featured in The Conversation, a news site that focuses on bringing academic, knowledge-based journalism to the general public in an accessible way.

From the article’s introduction: Many ancient cultures once believed that the world rested on the back of a giant sea turtle. This idea might seem far-fetched today, but for a diverse range of marine organisms, it’s reality. Collectively known as epibionts, these organisms make their homes on the backs of marine animals such as crabs, whales and sea turtles. These epibionts range in size, from microscopic plants called diatoms that are just a few hundredths of a millimeter across to fish called remoras than can grow to lengths of 75 centimeters. As scientists, we are finally starting to unlock the secrets of these mysterious hitchhikers.

Robinson was also featured in a video produced by Earthwatch Institute called Securing the Future for Sea Turtles. The video focuses on the value that volunteers bring to sea turtle research around the world and offers ideas for how small changes in everyone’s daily lives can ultimately help sea turtles survive.